Westfield prepared to adopt regulations on political lawn signs

WESTFIELD - The Planning Board has endorsed new regulations governing the placement and use of lawn signs -- particularly political signs -- and will send them to the City Council for consideration at the council's Aug. 18 meeting.

The request for the review and adoption of new regulations was prompted by freshman City Councilor David A. Flaherty as he prepared to launch his re-election campaign, which included new signs.

The councilor said he will ask City Council approval of the regulations at the Aug. 18 meeting. The Planning Board and City Council have each held public hearings on the rules and there was not public opposition.

Flaherty said one question remains concerning the size of signs. He originally suggested a 10-foot maximum but said Wednesday that is expected to change to "substantially smaller, probably three or five feet in size."

Regulations will restrict candidates or causes to the placement of one sign per residential lot throughout the city, and signs will not be permitted on public property including road sides. Signs will not be displayed on buildings except headquarters of candidates or organizations sponsoring the sign. Signs cannot contain moving parts, shall not be illuminated and shall not obstruct view by motorists and of traffic control signals.

A time restriction will also be in place, preventing the placement of signs more than three months before an election or event and removal will be required within three days following an election or event.

Westfield's election season is underway and a preliminary election, if needed, will be held Sept. 27. The general election will be held Nov. 8.